About us

ISPN Overview

The Indiana Suicide Prevention Network Advisory Council (ISPNAC) is a comprised of mental health advocates, representatives from state agencies, leaders from county/regional suicide prevention coalitions, people who serve populations that have higher suicide risk (brain injury, substance use, youth), healthcare and mental health providers, veteran/military groups, people with lived experience, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and others that are passionate about preventing suicide.

ISPNAC serves as the program arm of ISPN. Meetings are held monthly (fourth Wednesday of the month, 11:00-1:00, via Zoom) to work on projects and stay in the loop regarding suicide prevention efforts across the state.

MISSION

We are a statewide community working to prevent suicide by advancing the conversation, eliminating stigma, and building hope.

VISION

We will live in a state in which people no longer die by suicide.

WE BELIEVE
  • Suicide is a significant but largely preventable public health issue.
  • Promoting mental wellness throughout a lifetime is the key to preventing suicide.
  • Suicide can affect everyone, and its prevention requires a culturally diverse approach.
  • Talking openly and raising awareness is essential to eliminating the stigma and shame of suicide.
  • Using evidence based and best practices is critical to building everyone’s confidence and competence in suicide prevention.
  • Suicide prevention is everyone’s business; therefore, we support individual, local, community, and statewide efforts.
HISTORY

The creation of ISPN stems from the statewide efforts of the Indiana Suicide Prevention

Network Advisory Council, originally formed, to guide the suicide prevention work of the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction, as well as other entities throughout the state. Over time, the evolution of these efforts warranted the creation of a formalized, independent organization. Learn more

How to get involved

Anyone can join ISPNAC. We meet via Zoom on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 11:00-1:00. Contact our Secretary for the Zoom link.

Current & Ongoing Projects

Suicide Prevention Framework
Suicide Prevention Framework to help communities and organization develop their own suicide prevention plan.

Suicide Prevention Month
Raise awareness by adding your logo to this flyer and distributing/posting it during September.

ISPN Board

President: Calvin Roberson, IU Simon Cancer Center

Treasurer: Stephen McCaffrey, Mental Health America of Indiana

Immediate Past President: Colleen Carpenter

Lisa Hutcheson, Mental Health America of Indiana (standing position)

Lisa Brattain, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (standing position)

Michelle Bulington, Indiana Division of Mental Health & Addiction  (standing position)

Laurie Gerdt, Indiana Hospital Association

Elizabeth Boyle, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Indiana

Jason Murrey, Indiana Department of Education

Alice Jordan-Miles, Indiana Suicide Prevention Coalition (standing position)

Marco Dominguez, Financial Center First Credit Union

Janet Schnell, Indiana Suicide Prevention Network Advisor Council (ISPNAC) (standing position)

Allison Orwig, Indiana Rural Health Association